We are in the last weeks of February, can you believe it?! Time flies here at the Capitol as session continues to keep me busy between Budget Committee, chairing my Appropriations Committee and keeping up with all of my bills! This week’s Capitol Report will highlight Truman Day at the Capitol, passing of HB 138 for Virtual Education Programs and REAL ID legislation.

Legislative Agenda

HB 85, which adds Utility Vehicles to the ‘Move Over Law’ is still moving swiftly. It was third read on the floor Monday and now moves to the Senate. My HB 631 was passed in Transportation Committee 9-0 and was voted to be Consent. This bill modifies

medical requirements for school bus drivers. Another one of my bills (HB 587) was also Do Pass with 13-0 vote on Wednesday in Rules and Administrative Oversight Committee. It had also been passed in the Elections and Elected officials committee, before being referred to Rules Committee. This bill relates to treasurer of a seven-director school district and the bond requirements for them.

Truman Day at the Capitol

On Tuesday the Capitol was flooded with purple as students and staff as well as alumni legislators from Truman State University showed their support for the school. I was able to meet with several students as well as newly elected President Sue Thomas. I continue to be impressed by Truman’s institution and am excited to see what President Thomas will do in the future to improve Truman’s outstanding status as a University.

House GOP passed HB 138, Virtual Education Programs

A big focus during session this year is Education Reform. This bill expands access to virtual education programs for students, which would give Missouri students more options and allows rural schools to offer the same education options as larger schools. HB 138 is great for students and gives them more education options to better prepare them for when they graduate.

Real ID (HB 151)

The Missouri House of Representatives has given first-round approval to legislation that would give Missourians the option to obtain Read ID compliant photo identification. HB 151 would require state revenue department to issue identification and drivers license that comply to federal standards for those who want them. This would strike down past Missouri legislation that was meant to protect private information in response to US Federal law for REAL ID. Because we have fought against compliance, Missouri licenses are no longer a valid form of identification at federal facilities and military bases, and will no longer be valid at airports as proof of identity for domestic flights beginning in 2018. Opponents of the legislation say it’s important to push back against the overreach of the federal government. HB 151 requires another positive vote in the House before moving to the Senate for consideration.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments feel free to contact me at my office at Craig.Redmon@house.mo.gov or better yet, stop by for a visit, 317B in the Capitol.

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